Led by Lions: MPs and Sons Who Fell in the First World War

An exciting and fast-paced narrative of over 100 gallant officers who died during the First World War

Packed with incredible stories of individual heroism and sacrifice

Assiduously researched, rich in detail and lavishly illustrated

Foreword by John Bercow, Speaker of the House, and introduction by The Hon. Ian R. K. Paisley MP, Freeman City of London

Led by Lions: MPs and Sons Who Fell in the First World War tells the story of over 100 men who went to war and did not return. Many MPs fought in the war and in some instances, they pulled strings to get there.

Casualties amongst them were high, but the loss of their sons outweighed their own sacrifice. In this book, Neil Thornton dispels the popular belief that the country’s politicians sat in safety while callously sending the nation’s youth to their deaths. Their own sacrifices, together with those of their sons, are described here in poignant detail, including such names as Tom Kettle, William Gladstone and Raymond Asquith.

Others such as Valentine Fleming – father of James Bond author Ian Fleming – and Thomas Agar-Robartes feature alongside them. Recommended for the Victoria Cross for the rescue of casualties under heavy fire, Agar-Robartes’ act would cost him his life, but he would earn the respect of every man under his command.

This lavishly illustrated book is a tribute to those MPs and their sons who went to war – never to return.

THE AUTHOR

Neil Thornton (left) has produced articles on a diverse range of military history and through his extensive research has contributed to an array of military publications. He is an experienced speaker and regularly provides talks and workshops for schools, historical groups and the armed forces. The author also involves himself in a variety of military projects. His first book for Fonthill Media was the critically acclaimed Rorke’s Drift: A New Perspective (2016).